12 Very Best Islands To Visit In The Cyclades, Greece

There’s no denying how a lot I really like Greece! It’s a rustic that’s crammed with lovely locations to go to and historical past and tradition that’s second to none, particularly within the attractive Cyclades Islands. From attractive islands like Santorini and Mykonos – to lesser-known gems, there’s a heap of the very best islands to go to within the Cyclades which you can’t miss while in Greece.

Not solely does Greece have some beautiful islands to discover, however it additionally has some incredible cities; I’m naming you, Athens! Plus, there are many lovely places to see on the mainland, too; and that’s even earlier than we get onto all of the delicious Greek dishes to devour in your journey!

You see, every of the Cyclades Islands is completely totally different. Every with its personal vibe and is ideal for various sorts of journeys that make it good for no matter kind of vacation you’re searching for. Better of all, they’re well-connected (both by ferry or flight) and fairly simple to navigate… even when the ferries are typically late (simply one thing to be careful for).

So, to make your journey planning that bit simpler, we needed to share a few of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades which you can go to when in Greece.

Have the very best journey travelling across the Cyclades Islands in Greece. We love them!

1.) Santorini

Most likely one of many best-known Greek locations to go to, Santorini is one thing of a well-liked island within the Cyclades to go to.

This may be one thing of a double-edged sword… it’s completely lovely (attractive actually), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice accommodations, too. However, that does imply that it could actually get tremendous busy on the peak occasions of yr (and may get fairly costly, relying on the place you keep).

Although don’t let any of that put you off, I’d say that you must go to Santorini – it’s simply gorgeous and an ideal spot for anybody that desires a quintessential Greek island vacation of sunsets, beautiful eating places and lovely views.

As soon as right here, remember to take a look at the sundown within the clifftop city of Oia (attractive, even when it does get busy), and go to Thera for its little bars and eating places alongside the caldera itself.

Really, speaking in regards to the caldera, be certain that to e book your self on a small-group catamaran tour (like we did) of the caldera, stopping off on the volcanic sizzling springs and snorkelling spots at each the White and Purple Seashores. You possibly can e book both the morning or sundown tour and the group is at all times small, with underneath 20 individuals onboard.

Oh, and don’t overlook in regards to the vineyards which can be so particular in Santorini. There are fairly just a few that we visited throughout the island (Santo Wines and Venetsanos Wines, to call just a few) they usually’re completely scrumptious. You’ll even discover plenty of the vines (which can be a lot shorter in Santorini than conventional vineyards) all throughout the island.

Now, what I’d say is to e book your self a guided winery tour of the vineyards which can be so particular! Not solely will it will let you go to fairly just a few however you received’t have to fret about driving or transport when eager to style the wines.

Lastly, should you want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then book a transfer prematurely. As I mentioned, it could actually get busy and taxis might be scarce at peak occasions.

2.) Mykonos

Usually often called the get together island of Greece, Mykonos is a lot greater than its glamourous seashore golf equipment and on-trend bars. Sure, that’s a part of Mykonos (and a enjoyable half should you fancy going for a celebration.

In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the best islands to go to within the Cyclades should you fancy an excellent mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a stunning Greek Island. You possibly can simply spend per week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we beloved it for that.

After arriving, remember to discover Mykonos City and cease off for sundown drinks at Bao’s Cocktail Bar (our favorite) and seize a desk on the veranda at Kastros (once more, at sundown).

For those who’re leaving the city itself, head over to Agios Sostis Seashore and cease by for a few of the freshest seafood at Kiki’s Tavern. It’s casual, unpretentious, pleasant and completely scrumptious.

Oh, and don’t overlook to book a skip-the-line boat tour to the traditional island of Delos. It’s fairly near Mykonos and one of the crucial essential islands in Greek mythology.

You possibly can even see the ruins and artefacts which can be strewn all throughout the island website. It’s nicely value a visit.

3.) Milos

Milos is likely one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to for its attractive shoreline. It’s simply unbelievable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek individuals for a lot of a long time. Crammed with lovely coves, attractive seashores and the enduring Sarakiniko Seashore (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s greatest loved chilled.

After arriving remember to spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Simply remember to take loads of sunblock and drinks and snacks with you; there aren’t any facilities right here and the solar can get actually intense.

Don’t overlook to book an intimate boat tour (lower than 10 individuals) round Milos, too. These will get you to the hidden spots across the west a part of Milos which can be all inaccessible by land. You’ll take within the likes of Kleftiko and the cave of Sykia that are simply so lovely.

For a chew to eat, jump over to the picturesque harbour village of Mandrakia; It’s tiny, lovely and completely intimate. Right here, you’ll discover Medusa, a restaurant, that serves up some conventional Greek meals that’s simply so yummy. Their recent fish is so good.

Lastly, when in the principle city, remember to seize a desk at O! Hamos! Tavern. Nonetheless family-owned, its meals is simply scrumptious and their baked feta is simply too good to overlook. Don’t miss it, you’ll thank me as soon as you permit stuffed!

4.) Paros

Not too removed from Naxos or Ios, Paros is one other gem of an island that has so many similarities to Mykonos (lovely city and shoreline), with out the hefty price ticket. Plus, it’s loads much less busy than the extra well-liked spots of Santorini, too.

This all makes Paros among the best islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to while island hopping. That is precisely what we did and beloved each second; we took the ferry from Santorini (direct to Paros) and it was completely simple and tremendous quick. For ease with the ticketing, we booked ours on FerryScanner and simply confirmed our QR code when boarding.

As soon as in Paros, remember to keep in or go to the attractive city of Naousa. It’s quintessentially Greek, with whitewashed little homes and cobbled alleys – it’s simply gorgeous. Right here, you’ll discover loads of little seafront bars and eating places that serve up some tasty Greek treats. We beloved Kafeneion – I Palia Agora, the place you’ll be able to sit within the alley and devour the tastiest treats. Their grilled octopus is so good.

For those who’re searching for a stunning resort, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then verify into Summer Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and beloved it. It’s so peaceable and calm they usually even have probably the most attractive rooms with personal swimming pools.

Fancy a while on the seas? Book a stunning sailing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Simply be certain that to pack your swimwear as you’ll get plenty of chill time to snorkel and swim, too. It’s so good.

5.) Antiparos

The smaller sibling of Paros, Antiparos is likely one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s a daily superstar hang-out as a consequence of its peaceable island vibe. Which, makes it one epic place to go and chill.

Solely round 15-minutes from Paros by boat, it’s a Cyclades Island you’ll be able to go to for a day should you’ve obtained a automobile on Paros. That is what we did and it was nicely definitely worth the crossing.

As soon as right here, take a look at the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover plenty of impartial shops, cafes and little foodie spots round each nook. Driving south, take a drive in direction of Paralia Apantima (seashore) and relax on the seashore bar that’s nice for meals.

Oh, and if you wish to see the distinctive shoreline that makes Antiparos so attractive, head to Ubini Rocks. It’s completely quiet, chilled and exquisite. We spent just a few hours exploring this space and even adopted a few of the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nevertheless, is that the highway here’s a full-on dust monitor. We did this in a small automobile however it might be troublesome if the climate is moist.

Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Test into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Beach (which is unbelievable, by the way in which). Sure, it’s slightly extra expensive than different spots on the island; however it’s attractive.

6.) Naxos

Just some kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a fantastic Greek island that has an excellent mixture of bars, impartial eating places and lovely countryside and seashores. It’s simply among the best islands to go to within the Cyclades for

Getting peckish? Seize a desk at Doukato Restaurant within the outdated city itself. We love the vibe of their out of doors seating space and the moussaka is so yummy. For night drinks with pals, hop into Like Home Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a energetic vibe that’s nicely value visiting for a night with pals.

In fact, you’ll be able to’t miss the Temple of Apollo which overlooks the harbour space and is likely one of the island’s most prized archaeological websites. Plus, it’s really easy to walk over, particularly should you’re based mostly within the outdated city itself.

That being mentioned, should you fancy getting out of the outdated city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automobile), you’ve obtained the attractive Routsouna’s Waterfall (which is round a 45-minutes hike from the centre of the close by spot of Keramoti.

Lastly, for a stunning seashore, head to Alyko Beach. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being mentioned, the wind might be sturdy so be certain that to put on loads of solar block. That wind can idiot you into considering you’re not burning.

7.) Serifos

North of Milos, Serifos is likely one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s a lot much less developed than the likes of Mykonos. This makes it the proper Greek island to go to should you’re wanting a real little escape while in Greece. It’s so tranquil.

After hopping off the ferry, head straight over to Mpakakaki for his or her Greek meat dishes. All cooked and grilled recent, it’s a spot you’ll be able to’t miss.

When you’re good and full, head onto the open highway and go to Psili Ammos. It’s completely unspoilt and comparatively quiet should you go to within the weekdays. Simply remember to pack plenty of liquids; there are usually not at all times amenities proper on the seashore, right here.

Speaking of seashores, one other agency favorite is Ganema Seashore that’s on the opposite facet of Serifos. Better of all, all of it has a stunning little foodie spot, the SAAN Eco Restaurant that overlooks the bay.

Oh, and should you’re hitting up the mountain roads, pop into Οι Πλάκες for dinner and views over the island. Although, keep in mind, in the summertime months it could actually get busy. If you wish to keep away from a wait, arrive early and prepare to depart stuffed.

8.) Syros

It’s mentioned that individuals have known as Syros house for over 5,000 years… and it’s completely simple to see why! Though comparatively small, this Cyclades island is an ideal little getaway while hopping between these attractive Greek gems.

If you wish to discover a few of the island’s majestic church buildings head over to Anastaseos church in Vrodado or pop contained in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas that’s located inside Ermoupolis itself. Each are unbelievable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.

Although, should you’re extra of a seashore bum, head to Kini Beach that’s good for a day on the shore.

9.) Sifnos

Proper within the coronary heart of the island group, Sifnos is likely one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades should you’re searching for a very peaceable island journey.

After arriving in Kamares by boat, you’ll need to seize lunch at Argyris which is a family-owned spot that makes the very best souvlaki in all of Sifnos. Oh, and their do-it-yourself tzatziki is just too good to overlook!

Afterwards, take a while to go to Vathi Seashore (for its shallow and heat waters) and Chrisopigi Monastery that’s on the opposite facet of Sifnos.

If that sounds such as you’re factor, remember to pop over round sundown. The orange hues are simply unbelievable.

11.) Ios

Midway between Santorini and Paros, Ios is a superb island for all ages and all varieties of guests. Reality be informed, it’s obtained slightly little bit of all the pieces; making it an incredible journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.

If it’s the seashores you like, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Seashore that’s an incredible household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.

Alternatively, should you’ve obtained a automobile, head in direction of the Tomb of Homer and see a few of the island’s historical past that dates again millennia. Not solely that, the drive to the tomb is completely lovely.

12.) Tinos

Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the type of Greek island that’s nicely value a go to for its gorgeous shoreline.

After touchdown onshore, be certain that to spend a while in Tinos City itself and discover the Αrchaeological Museum of Tinos and eat at Mikro Karavi which serves up a scrumptious grilled goat dish.

Plus, don’t overlook to go to the shrine of Panagia Evangelistria, go to Pachia Ammos seashore and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to attempt a few of the island’s greatest wines.